The Department of Chemical, Polymer & Composite Materials Engineering hosted a two-day workshop titled “Bowtie – Barrier Based Risk Management” from October 16 to 17, 2024, at UET, Lahore (Main Campus). This workshop was organized for students of the MS Safety, Health & Environment program—Pakistan’s only HEC-approved HSE postgraduate program.
The workshop was led by Engr. Rashid Mahmood, Lead Operations Engineer at Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, a certified Process Safety Engineer and PHA/HAZOP Leader by TÜV (SÜD). Engr. Rashid engaged participants through discussions on international safety incidents, utilizing practical tools like BS-CAT (Barrier Systematic Cause Analysis Technique) to explore root causes and improvement opportunities. His sessions were focused on applying the Bowtie technique for complex risk assessments, risk visualization, and incident investigation. Participants also explored advanced methods such as Tripod Beta, Barrier Failure Analysis (BFA), and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), equipping themselves with hands-on skills to conduct comprehensive safety evaluations. The interactive nature of the workshop allowed students to transform theoretical knowledge into practical solutions, preparing them to address safety challenges effectively.
Dr.-Ing. Izzat Iqbal Cheema, Director Postgraduate Studies and workshop organizer, applauded the participants’ enthusiasm and praised Engr. Rashid for bridging theory with real-world insights. Dr. Cheema emphasized the importance of such training in enhancing decision-making abilities and staying aligned with the latest advancements in process safety and risk management. The closing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including worthy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir (T.I.); Prof. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Zaheer Aslam, Chairman of the Chemical Engineering Department; Prof. Dr. Syed Mohsin Ali Kazmi, Chairman of the Department of Chemical, Polymer & Composite Materials Engineering; and Dr. Tanveer Qasim, Director Coordination, Punjab Higher Education Commission.
The Vice Chancelor, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, a leading Chemical Engineer of the country, who has led both academia and industry at top positions, reiterated the significance of practical training in minimizing workplace risks and fostering safety culture. He further shared his related field based expeience with the students and commended the organizer and the trainer for providing training on this practical approach for empowering participants with essential skills to prevent incidents and improve workplace safety. Certificates were distributed by the worthy Vice Chancellor to the trainer and participants. A unique eco-friendly souvenirs—a cactus in a table-top planter made from natural materials—were presented to the Vice Chancellor and departmental chairs, promoting sustainability awareness. The workshop was well-received by both students and professionals, marking a successful initiative toward developing future-ready safety engineers. For more information and photographs related to workshop, check out program LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uet-lahore-master-s-in-safety-health-and-environment/
